Research found that physical activity at work may increase risk of neck and back pain, while leisure time activities have a positive effect. A balance between work and rest is key to reducing the risk of disability and impaired quality of life.
A new study estimates that Americans spent an estimated $380 billion on low back and neck pain in 2016, combined with other musculoskeletal disorders. This accounts for 14.1% of the total $2.7 trillion in healthcare spending that year.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers analyzed the virome of HPV-positive tonsil squamous cell carcinoma and neck metastasis, finding correlations between specific viruses and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that certain viral signatures may impact tumor biology and behavior, offering potential avenues for future research and treatment.
A new study reveals that peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) increase the risk of blood clots and bloodstream infections in children. Children with a prior history of VTE, larger caliber catheters, or leukemia are more susceptible to these complications.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a wearable monitoring device to treat swallowing disorders. The device uses a skin-mountable sensor sticker to measure muscle activity and movement associated with swallowing, allowing for precise coordination of over 30 pairs of muscles and six cranial nerves.
A new technique using air injection has been shown to be effective in releasing a tongue trapped in a bottle, with no need for general anaesthesia or invasive procedures. This method was inspired by the author's experience opening a wine bottle and involved injecting air into the bottle to produce positive pressure.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A recent study found that malignant melanoma (MM) on the neck has a higher chance of spreading beyond the skin compared to MM below the neck. Researchers investigated 45 patients over six months and discovered that out of the 37 below neck MM patients, none had distant metastases, while two out of eight above neck MM patients did.
A large clinical study of 1,495 patients in 10 countries found that those who had a total hip arthroplasty reported better function but also higher incidence of serious complications. The study suggests the advantages of total hip replacement may not be compelling.
A small study suggests that non-invasive nerve stimulation may be effective in treating vestibular migraine attacks. The treatment, which involves electrical impulses delivered through the skin to the vagus nerve, showed improvement in vertigo symptoms for 13 out of 14 participants.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that tapeworm regeneration is dependent on stem cells located near the head. Researchers found that severing the head did not prevent regrowth, but signals from the neck are necessary to activate stem cells.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A recent study at the University of Arkansas found that women and shorter individuals bend their necks differently than men and taller individuals. The findings suggest that this may contribute to the higher incidence of neck and jaw pain experienced by women.
A novel robotic neck brace has been developed to assist ALS patients in holding their heads and supporting range of motion. The device incorporates sensors and actuators to restore approximately 70% of the active range of motion, allowing for improved eye contact and computer control.
A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology found that FDG-PET/CT imaging achieved true negatives in 94% of patients, suggesting its potential to assist clinicians in deciding on the best therapy for clinically N0 necks. This could lead to prevented patient morbidity and cost savings.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Research links poor social relationships to bone loss in postmenopausal women, suggesting that reducing negative interactions may limit bone loss and reduce fractures. High levels of psychosocial stress were associated with lower bone mineral density over six years.
Researchers at Stanford University found that lovebirds can navigate through extreme crosswinds in both bright and dark environments, challenging long-held assumptions about bird navigation. By stabilizing their gaze and twisting their necks, the birds actively control their flight towards a light beacon.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a skin-attachable vibration sensor for accurate voice recognition. The sensor can quantify voice pressure and recognize speech without ambient noise or sound distortion.
A study investigates the dynamics of bubble pinch-off in highly confined capillary tubes, revealing two distinct stages of neck contraction with varying dependence on time. The results suggest that the first stage is driven by contact line movement, erasing system memory and leading to universal dynamics.
Researchers found that the syrinx's position at the end of the airway enhances vocal efficiency, allowing birds to communicate more effectively. This unique feature enables birds to amplify their sounds using their long necks as resonators, giving them an advantage in attracting mates and warning off predators.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A recent study found that most middle-aged and older adults recover their ability to live independently within a year after surgery for hip fracture. Age, fitness level, and certain fracture characteristics are strong predictors of returning to independent living and walking one year after hip fracture surgery.
A special issue of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation explores the dynamics between work and pain. The study found that presenteeism, repetitive work, and job stress are linked to chronic pain, with psychological symptoms intensifying physical ones.
Research by University of Sydney researchers reveals a significant association between diabetes and low back pain and neck pain. The study found people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing these conditions, warranting further investigation into the link.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Two studies found that flu-like illnesses increase the odds of having a stroke by nearly 40 percent over the next 15 days. Researchers also identified an increased risk of tearing neck arteries within one month of battling a flu-like illness.
Rutgers researchers recommend building neck strength as a key protective factor against sports-related concussions. The study examines the role of neck strength, size, and posture in reducing concussion risk, particularly for female and young male athletes.
Researchers have discovered that laryngeal symptoms such as hoarseness and dysphoric breathing can be caused by compression of cranial nerves 9 and 10 at the brain stem. Neurosurgical decompression has been shown to significantly improve quality of life for patients with these symptoms.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers at San Francisco State University found that poor head and neck alignment while working on computers can cause fatigue, headaches, and neck pain. By adopting good posture, such as keeping the head aligned with the neck, individuals can reduce muscle tension and alleviate these symptoms.
A study of nearly 89,000 U.S. adults found that early physical therapy was associated with lower opioid use for shoulder, knee, and low back pain, but not neck pain. This suggests that early physical therapy may play a role in reducing the risk of long-term opioid use in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
A new study suggests that a neck collar may help protect the brain of female high school soccer players from cumulative head impact exposure. The Q-Collar, designed to increase brain blood volume during collisions, showed no significant white matter changes in those who wore it.
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
The study found that female participants preferred more cooling during exercise, while males did not experience similar changes in body temperature. After exercising, females' skin temperatures fell rapidly, but they continued to seek neck cooling due to elevated core temperatures.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology will present cutting-edge research on various otolaryngology topics at their Annual Meeting. Key studies include evaluating the prognostic utility of hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio in head and neck cancer, investigating the association between depression and long-term overall surv...
High-velocity neck manipulation has been linked to damage to the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in abnormal bleeding inside the eye and potentially causing vision loss. The case report presents a rare complication of chiropractic care leading to multiple preretinal hemorrhages.
Researchers at Stanford University found that head positioning is a more important factor in determining concussion risk than neck tension. Small variations in position can affect the subsequent rotation of the head and increase or decrease concussion risk.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Football training has been linked to improved bone mineral density in elderly men with prostate cancer, particularly in those undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. The study found no association with body composition or physical functioning.
A Mediterranean-type diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil reduced hip bone loss in people with osteoporosis within 12 months. The study, involving over 1,000 participants, showed a significant increase in bone density at the femoral neck. This could be a welcome addition to current drug treatments for osteoporosis.
A UNLV study reveals that iPad neck pain is a growing problem among Americans, particularly young adults and women. The study found that postures such as sitting without back support and using tablets while lying on the side or back significantly contribute to the condition.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A simulation test suggests that the halo system may affect driver head position and motion, potentially compromising steering accuracy. Training and ergonomic adjustments may be necessary to mitigate this effect, particularly for less experienced drivers.
Research reveals cycling as the leading cause of cervical fractures in men, with a significant increase in injuries over the past two decades. The study analyzed 50,000 patient cases and found that football was the most common cause of neck sprains in women, while horseback riding caused the most cervical fractures in females.
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that direct access to physical therapy for neck and back pain can reduce treatment costs by an average of $1,543. Patients who chose this approach reported similar improvement in their condition, with an average gain of over 50% in pain and disability.
Infants born in opioid withdrawal after utero exposure show a significant increase in torticollis and plagiocephaly. These abnormalities can be prevented with early preventive measures, such as occupational and physical therapy.
A new study evaluated the effectiveness of Chinese massage, tuina, in patients with chronic neck pain. The results showed a clinically relevant decrease in mean neck pain intensity and improved function among those who received tuina treatment. Tuina was found to be a cost-effective alternative to no treatment.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study in Toronto found that commuters are exposed to high levels of noise while using public transport, with peak levels exceeding EPA recommended thresholds. Researchers recommend reducing noise exposure through materials and equipment improvements, as well as promoting hearing protection.
Researchers discovered that early sauropod dinosaurs like Saturnalia tupiniquim were capable of a bipedal gait and had agile ancestors. The brain structure of S. tupiniquim revealed specific features enabling it to track moving objects with its eyes, execute rapid movements of its head and neck in a coordinated fashion.
A systematic review of 1169 studies found that exercise therapy alone is as effective as manual treatment combined with exercise for treating grade I-II neck pain. The researchers conclude that prescribing manual treatments in addition to exercise may not provide additional benefits, potentially reducing long queues and costs.
The Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults aims to reduce delays in diagnosis of malignant disease and optimize outcomes. The guideline addresses testing and physical examination of an adult with a neck mass, promoting high-quality and cost-effective care.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Midwestern University researchers found anatomical variations linked with nTOS, revealing a new explanation for its difficulty in diagnosis. Ultrasound diagnostics revealed brachial plexus piercing variations at higher rates in subjects with nTOS symptoms.
Several studies explore patient preferences, online presence, and treatment outcomes for various otolaryngology conditions. Research also examines the impact of age on complications following free flap surgery and the effects of common ear drops on tympanic membrane healing.
Research by University of Cambridge suggests that external features cannot accurately predict breathing difficulties in pugs, French bulldogs and bulldogs. Breeders should focus on breeding for open nostrils and avoiding dogs with short muzzles, wide faces and thick necks to reduce the risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
Plesiosaurs' long necks may have been a hydrodynamic advantage, allowing them to move slowly and float comfortably. The location of the bend in their necks could also impact drag, leading to more patient hunting styles like modern crocodiles.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for thyroid cancer in asymptomatic persons results in harms that outweigh the benefits due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis with a 98.1% 5-year survival rate.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new sauropod species, Galeamopus pabsti, has been described from 150 million-year-old fossils in Wyoming, USA. The discovery expands the already unexpected diversity of 'whiplash dinosaurs', known for their elongated necks and tails.
Researchers found that saber-toothed cats suffered more frequent injuries than dire wolves due to their solo hunting style, which likely involved ambushing large prey at short distances. The study analyzed over 35,000 bones and found that 4.3% of saber-toothed cat bones showed trauma.
Researchers developed a decision-tree tool to screen women with gestational diabetes for obstructive sleep apnea. The study found that neck circumference was significantly larger in the OSA group, and having a neck circumference greater than 35.5 cm was associated with higher risk for sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making. The new guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing and improve quality-of-life outcomes for patients with BPPV.
A study by Ohio State University researchers measured the muscle exertions of 10 central Ohio tattoo artists, finding they exceeded maximums recommended to avoid injury. The study highlighted issues with ergonomic guidelines and workers' compensation in the industry.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on rhinoplasty, providing a framework for clinicians to improve patient care. The guideline aims to address the limited literature and availability of multi-disciplinary clinical practice guidelines on the subject.
Researchers identified distinct changes in bone mineral content and area among midlife women transitioning through menopause, contradicting previous assumptions about bone expansion. The findings suggest that individual variability in bone structure can be used to identify women at risk of fractures far in advance.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new order of insect, Aethiocarenodea, featuring a 100-million-year-old specimen with a triangular head and alien-like features. The species has been named Aethiocarenus burmanicus and is believed to be an omnivore with special adaptations to survive in ancient forests.
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A sub-analysis of the KEYNOTE-012 trial found that Asian head and neck cancer patients lived longer with pembrolizumab than the overall population. The fixed dose of pembrolizumab showed better median overall survival and disease control rates in Asians, indicating potential as a first-line treatment.
Researchers found thickening of the left carotid artery, indicating blood vessel inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk. This study suggests that blood vessels may be affected in childhood and adolescence, sparking hope for new treatment strategies.
At CHEST Annual Meeting 2016, unusual case reports highlighted foreign object inhalation, where asthma inhaler cap lodged in the bronchus, and a woman coughed out stone after chiseling accident. A patient with substance abuse history swallowed a small metal crucifix, which was successfully removed during surgery.
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.